5-year-old Minnesota mayor loses re-election bid for third term

DORSET, Minn., Aug. 4 (UPI) -- The two-term mayor of a Minnesota town won't be returning to office after he lost his reelection bid on Sunday.

That's okay, because Bobby Tufts may have another chance next year -- when he is 6.

Tufts was elected mayor of Dorset in 2012 when he was just 3-years-old. After serving two terms leading the city, estimated population of 25, Tufts, 5, lost out to 16-year-old Eric Mueller.

Residents vote for mayor by purchasing votes for $1 apiece, then the winner's name is randomly pulled.

The Tufts wanted the youngster to possibly take a year off, so they didn't actively campaign for him this time around.

"He did really well; he didn't get sad," mother Emma Tufts told MinnPost after her son's defeat. "He might have a meltdown in the next few days, but I think he understands it's time for someone else."

Just because Bobby is done serving the town, that doesn't mean the family is. His 2-year-old brother, James, is reportedly considering going after the job.

"If James does run, Bobby wants to be his political adviser," Tufts said.